Man Won't Be Charged In Standoff

Police: Man Possibly Suffers From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

7:17 AM, Oct 7, 2009

An Indianapolis man who prompted a seven-hour standoff with police after he wouldn't come out of his downtown apartment will not be charged.

National Guard Sgt. Jason Carrera, 26, who served two tours in Iraq, was armed when he barricaded himself inside the Lockefield Gardens apartments near the Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis campus on the morning of Sept. 29, eventually surrendering peacefully that afternoon.

Investigators said they exercised restraint and caution in their effort to get Carrera out of the home, in part because of concern for his mental well-being and a belief that he may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Police said Carrera has had several personal problems since arriving home from Iraq eight months ago, including a pending divorce, the suicide of a friend and being the victim of a carjacking on Sept. 6.

He was preliminarily charged with criminal recklessness with a weapon, a felony, along with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.

But Marion County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Mario Massillamany said Wednesday that prosecutors had reviewed the evidence and had decided not to charge Carrera.

Carrera is now a student at IUPUI, with aspirations of going on to nursing school, friends said. The Indiana National Guard has reached out to help him deal with any post-battle issues.